Mumbai set to host Aurionpro International Grandmaster and Junior Chess Tournaments from June 16

Mumbai will host the Rs 40 lakh Aurionpro International Grandmaster and Junior Chess Tournaments from June 16–24 at the World Trade Centre. Over 400 players from 17 countries, including 16 Grandmasters, will compete in one of India’s richest chess events.

Hyderabad: Mumbai is poised to become the epicentre of global chess action as the Rs 40 lakh prize money Aurionpro International Grandmaster Chess Tournament and Junior International Chess Tournament will be played at the World Trade Centre from June 16-24.

Organised by the Indian Chess School under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, this double-header promises thrilling encounters and unmatched competition.

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Over 400 players from 17 countries have confirmed participation in this chess extravaganza, including an impressive lineup of 16 Grandmasters and 13 International Masters. With a combined prize fund of Rs 40.00 Lakhs, the event stands as one of India’s richest chess tournaments — Rs 25.00 Lakhs earmarked for the Grandmaster section and Rs 15.00 Lakhs for the Junior (Under-13) section, the latter billed as the ‘Richest Tournament for Children’ in the world.

In the Grandmaster section, the top billing goes to GM Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia, a formidable force with consistent performances on the international circuit. He is followed closely by GM Petrosyan Manuel from Armenia, while GM Luka Paichadze, also from Georgia, is the third seed.

The 12-year-old FIDE Master Aansh Nerurkar leads the Indian charge in the Junior section, with strong challenges expected from Madhesh Kumar of Pondicherry and Maharashtra’s Avirat Chauhan. The undeniable star attraction, however, is 12-year-old Women International Master Oshini Gunawardhana from Sri Lanka, whose presence adds international flair and excitement to the field.